Wilmette

Wilmette is not just a village in Illinois; it’s a vibrant community bordering the magnificent Lake Michigan and the charming town of Evanston. Nestled just 14 miles (23 km) north of the bustling downtown district of Chicago, Wilmette is a place where small-town charm meets big-city convenience. At the last count, Wilmette was home to a population of 28,170, each person contributing to the unique tapestry of this wonderful village.

It’s the proud location of the first and only Baháʼí House of Worship in North America, a testament to the diversity and inclusivity that Wilmette stands for. Education is a top priority here, with several National Blue Ribbon Award-winning schools and a feeder system to the prestigious New Trier High School. But it’s not all work and no play in Wilmette; with 22 parks under the care of the splendid Wilmette Park District, there’s no shortage of green spaces to explore. Gillson Park, in particular, beckons with its 60 acres of breathtaking lakefront property, perfect for sailing, kayaking, picnics, cycling, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and a myriad of other outdoor activities.

The charming streets of Wilmette, many of which are lined with rustic brick, add to the village’s timeless appeal. In recent years, the downtown area has blossomed into a culinary hotspot, attracting visitors from neighboring villages with its impressive tally of 15 (and counting!) restaurants. Wilmette isn’t just a place; it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a destination worth celebrating.

Meg + Katie’s Very Best Wilmette Adventures: Hitting a Homer at Rohmer Park – Rohmer Park is a special little league park tucked behind homes in Wilmette. With a concession stand (great hot dogs!) and a manual scoreboard, it is a wonderful place to watch baseball and for young players, it is a dream to ‘hit a homer at Rohmer.’

Have a ‘Nicki’ at Chuckwagon! This hidden gem in Wilmette has great hot dogs, gyros and burgers. Our personal favorite is the Nicki – a cheeseburger with gyro meat!

It is a rite of passage to ride the El to a Cub’s game with friends. The last stop on Chicago’s Purple Line is the Linden stop in Wilmette. Hop on the train with your Cubs shirt and get off at the Addison Stop to enjoy an afternoon at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.